Should I become a RPN in Ontario?

World Canada

Published

Hello,

I'm currently researching whether or not to become an RPN in Ontario. I've read on this site and a couple of others about the competition between RN's and RPN's. I hope I'm not insulting anyone but after reading several threads I'm very nervous about applying to school for this profession. Are the job prospects for RPN's really bad in Ontario? How long did it take most people to find work? Was it only just part time or did you eventually find Full time? I'm beginning to second guess even going into this field. Any advice would be great.

Sorry, I meant placements. Wow, love the idea of having placements at different facilities, it would give you a great idea about the areas of nursing. You'll have to forgive me if I ask stupid questions, I'm still just learning about the profession and the different schools.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in AC, LTC, Community, Northern Nursing.

If you are willing to do the work you can find a job no problem. Its just that simple. People want the jobs to come to them. Symptoms of a lazy and spoiled society. I graduated in 2008 and never had issues finding a job. There are lots of facilities that are understaffed. They might be in an undesirable location but the jobs are there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health.

I was hired less than a month after graduating and started on the floor a month after that (waiting for my police check, notice to former employer, etc.)

For my first job I took a position working full-time nights in long-term care. This was not ideal for me; I disliked long-term care, I hated night shifts and I remember telling my family that I would never take a night-shift job even if it was handed to me. However, when a full-time nights position was quite literally handed to me on my third day of orientation, I decided to make the best of it.

By keeping an open mind I discovered that despite the stigmas associated with LTC, there are many valuable lessons and skills to be learned which can be highly transferable to other areas in nursing. I also found out that I LOVE night shift! Having this experience under my belt made me far more attractive to future potential employers.

On a side note, I really think the reason many people struggle while job hunting is because of their CL/resume. So, for anyone reading this who is having trouble in their job hunt, this is how I ended up scoring the job I wanted:

I spent the time tailoring every single resume and cover letter I sent out. I used my resume/CL as my opportunity to highlight why I was an awesome candidate. I looked up each company's mission and values and always found a way to incorporate these into my personality. I had been at my retail sales job for almost 6 years and used this to emphasize my commitment and ability to stay put! I sold cell phones for one of the "big three" telecommunication companies and even though this has absolutely nothing to do with nursing I refused to discount the experience I gained during this time! I developed excellent communication skills, including how to ask solid open-ended questions and how to deescalate even the most irate client (I've had quite a few cell phones hurled at my head during my time hehe). I knew how to build a strong rapport and had many clients who, because of this, came back to me year after year for all of their purchases. I hadn't called in sick in 3 years. Technological proficiency - I felt 100% confident listing this on my resume and was able to back it up when asked in my interview!

Many people focus their resume on tasks (sold cell phones, processed returns, handled cash, etc.) but I focused on skills and accomplishments. I spent tons of time and effort on these documents, and if it was not transferable, it didn't make the cut! At the end of the day, it really didn't matter that I was a new grad with only 2 months of nursing experience. My phone rang constantly and I even began to feel bad about turning down job interviews when I had friends not receiving any phone calls. I was hired on the spot for my second job - a job posting that stated "two years of experience are required".

Use your resume to your advantage! While applying for jobs do everything you can to make yourself stand out from the crowd!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the great tips xoko! I don't have a problem working in ltc as long as I can work as a RPN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Addictions, Geriatrics.

I graduated in 2010 and have never had a problem finding a job. They have always been part time positions but I am able to take extra shifts and make more than full time hours when I want!

I have worked at a retirement home, a methadone clinic, and on a telemetry unit before settling into the ER where I am now and plan on staying!

I took the PN program even though I was accepted to BScN because I was unsure of whether or not I'd even enjoy nursing. Now that I know it is clearly the right fit for me (i love my job, and can say that with all sincerity) I plan on doing a bridge program in the near future to upgrade. I am happy with the skills I am learning and practising and learn something new every day. I think my experiences will only better me in my career as I develop into a RN.

I hope that helps!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in AC, LTC, Community, Northern Nursing.

Xokw- you wanna write my new resume ;) Writing resumes and cover letters are the two things

I hate the most.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did the RPN program at Conestoga college. I really enjoyed it. No problem finding a job, a actually took a few at first. Many opportunities in geriatrics, home care and mental health in SW Ontario. I hear speculation that they are increasing the programs to 3 years, but I have heard that for a while, not sure if it is true. All programs do a ''co-op'' as you called it. We would just say placement or clinical. The final semester is where you are budded up with a working RPN full time, doing almost everything you would do if you were working there. This is where many people get there jobs, by impressing the staff and networking. At the very least you will walk away with your most important reference.

My opinion is to go for it. Life is too short. You may discover you don't want to nurse, and drop out. At least you found out. Better than stocking AN for a few years lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, that's really encouraging to hear.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i think it all depends on if your willing to do what you have to at first, when i first graduated i worked for a agency which IMO was horrible but i did it to get that experience. now im working in a hospital and i love it. so really it all depends what your into and if you plan to just apply places online you wont find much, like said earlier you have to make yourself stand out and be very persistent. thoes without jobs from my class are those who sit behind a computer and apply.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment